WTCC-FM radio station hosts community Christmas party

SPRINGFIELD - For 85 area children, the annual holiday party created by the volunteer staff of WTCC-FM was a special opportunity to enjoy the season with presents, pizza, a movie, hula hoops and a photo with Santa.

The children, with parents and social services staff, were welcomed on Dec. 16 to the event described by WTCC general manager Maurice G. Lindsay as "the station's tradition of providing Christmas spirit and gifts for children in need."

"Our station members always enjoy planning and staffing this event," he said. "Our listeners support us through the radiothon and other fund-raising activities. The children's party is our way of giving back to the community we serve."

Hula hoops provided by Olander Worthy, area fitness promoter and tennis instructor, were a hit with the children. Worthy considers himself "an advocate to get people to move," and Dallas Anderson, age 5, who is "real good with hula hoops," was an enthusiastic participant. "You can get your energy out," he explained.

Dallas's brother, Joquawn Wright, 11, wearing his New England Patriots Super Bowl jacket and a cool attitude, plays football at Brookings Elementary School, and said he already has plans for college - "at LSU, because they got the best football team."

Both boys were thrilled to meet the New England Football League champion Western Massachusetts Warriors. The semi-pro team has been in Springfield for three years, according to Junior Williams, owner and head coach.

"All the stuff we do, including bounce houses and face painting at games, is geared for the kids," Williams said. "We want them to see that there's more than the streets."

The players talked with the children, donated pizza for the event and autographed gift footballs.

For the second year, each child at the party received a book, courtesy of Barnes & Noble Booksellers. They also received a soccer ball, basketball or football, as children's party committee chair Valerie King-Jackson stressed the importance of exercise to combat childhood obesity and help prevent diabetes.

Guests at the party included children from the Open Pantry Teen Parent Program, the Armory Square Childcare Center on the STCC campus, and other agencies, as well as children of radio station listeners.

"The party meant so much to the young mothers and their children," said Nicole Lussier, Open Pantry Teen Parent program director. "The teens have limited incomes and could never afford to have or go to a private Christmas party like this - it helped them to relax and forget about their problems and worries, especially during a time of year that is overly stressful to people who have very little."

Additional food and gifts were provided by area businesses and WTCC staff, balloon decorations from Touch of Class Balloons, and other donations came from the Cabaret, Walgreens on Carew Street and Dickinson Deli.